BREAKING: Questions Mount Over Future Use Of Former Nursing Home In Kilcock

Wednesday, 11 June 2025 15:56

By Martin Osborne and Eoin Beatty

The query is under review by the council, with a decision expected in the next week.

Questions are being raised about ongoing activity at Shalom Nursing Home, a privately owned former convent and protected structure in Kilcock.

The building was closed by the Presentation Sisters religious order in 2023 as it was only operating at 30 per cent occupancy.

Kfm understands that Kildare County Council has not been explicitly informed of the nature of the works currently taking place on the site.

The property is under private ownership.

Buildings with protected status seeking any change in use or structural alterations typically require more detailed planning oversight.

What is confirmed is that a Section 5 Exempted Development application was submitted on May 15th, 2025, by a company listed as Frostbreak ULC.

Kfm has attempted to reach out to the company directors.

We understand that no account information for the company has been filed as it was only recently established.

The company's application, seen by Kfm, seeks clarification under Class 20F of planning regulations - specifically, whether using the building to house International Protection Applicants qualifies as exempt from planning permission requirements.

The council has not yet issued a decision on the matter.

It is expected that a decision on whether or not the building is exempt will be made within the next week.

The application is currently under review.

It is available for public inspection at the Planning Office from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.

According to a well-placed source, confusion surrounding the intended use of the building is "not helpful".

They said no decision has been made yet and speculation about its future use is rife online.

They said they are seeking firm clarification from the council about the building's use.

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